title: Fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities on prenatal MRI.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In view of the increasing role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to prenatal ultrasonography (US), this study sought to demonstrate the visualization of fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities on MRI.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study included six fetuses with akinesia and associated abnormalities, depicted on fetal MRI after suspicious prenatal US. The whole fetus was assessed for musculoskeletal abnormalities and associated pathological conditions elsewhere. Fetal outcome data were compared with prenatal imaging. US and MRI findings were also compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Akinesia resulting in arthrogryposis was seen in 6/6 fetuses, with abnormal musculature in 5/6 fetuses. Associated brain abnormalities were found in 2/6 fetuses; facial abnormalities in 3/6; lung hypoplasia in 3/6; and polyhydramnios in 2/6. There were 5/6 pregnancies that were terminated and one individual died neonatally. MRI and brain autopsy were concordant in 4/6 cases. MRI and body autopsy were concordant in 1/6 cases and in 5/6 cases, autopsy revealed additional abnormalities. In addition to US, MRI correctly identified central nervous system findings in four cases and lung hypoplasia in three cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our MRI results demonstrate fetal akinesia and associated abnormalities, which may have an impact on perinatal management, as an adjunct to prenatal US.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. stefan.nemec@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: Stefan F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Nemec
authors.forename: Romana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Höftberger
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nemec
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bettelheim
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Brugger
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kasprian
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amann
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rotmensch
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Rimoin
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Prayer
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology; D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis; D001176:Arthrogryposis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009421:Nervous System Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies